Laura Bellon

Chief Executive Officer | lbellon@bist.ca | 647-748-0847

Laura Bellon has been providing services for individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) since 2002 in both the public sector and private sector. She has passionately helped individuals with multiple physical, cognitive, and psychological needs navigate the healthcare system and rehabilitation world.

She comes to BIST with a background in Sociology and Education, with certificates in crisis supports, errorless learning and occupational health and safety. Her experience with individuals in the community and within residential programs in the Greater Toronto Area, has helped those living with the effects of an ABI work toward their goals to lead healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives.

You can find Laura by her contagious laugh. She enjoys watching theatre plays and listening to music.

Meri Perra

Communications and Programs Manager | mperra@bist.ca | 416-407-6634

Meri Perra has several years of experience connecting people to resources, through her former position at Find Help Information Services. She has a diploma in journalism, has worked as a contributor and assistant editor for an online parenting magazine and held a position as a news and sports editor for a digital media company before coming to BIST.

Meri lives in a Housing Cooperative in Toronto with her wife and two teenage kids. If you have had a meeting Zoom with her, you have also likely gotten to know her two dogs, who make special appearances at every single online meeting she attends. Every one.

Meri enjoys cycling during the warmer seasons and cross country skiing in the winter. She always wears a helmet.

Madison Chong

Programs Coordinator | madison@bist.ca | 437-421-4032

Madison is a passionate individual who is dedicated to supporting those living with the effects of Acquired Brain Injury. She provides exceptional administrative assistance and program support to ensure BIST Members and stakeholders receive optimal support, advocacy and quality service. Madison has a certificate background in fundraising. She is a lover of tea, yoga, and podcast listening.

Keisha Appiah – Kubi

Community Coordinator – Intimate Partner Violence | keisha@bist.ca | (437) 241-6751

Keisha comes to BIST with background in Neuroscience from Brock University and has several years of experience connecting people to resources and working with folks with brain injury. Her experience in the community has assisted her creating positive community partnerships and networks to assist individuals living with ABI to meet their goals, live healthier lives and be able to better access specialized services and supports. When Keisha is not working she can usually be found listening to music, enjoying the outdoors and watching movies.

Melissa Forrest

Peer Support Coordinator | peersupport@bist.ca | 647-990-1485

Melissa Forrest came to BIST originally on a two month contract as our ABI Community Connections Coordinator in the summer of 2020, where she assisted members access technology supports. She has over 10 years experiencing working in brain injury, including working as an Educational Assistant at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Her experience includes being a tutor at George Brown College and working at the First People’s Office and Student Support Services at Seneca College. She is known as a genius with word puzzles and has a close family member who lives with the effects of brain injury.

Isabelle Rivaletto

WRAP Group Facilitator 

Isabelle has been working in the field of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) since 2014. Isabelle has worked in the community and supported individuals with medical appointments, community referrals and one to one support.

Isabelle comes to BIST with backgrounds in Psychology and Journalism and with a certificate in WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Planning) Facilitation. Her experience working in the community with individuals suffering from ABI has assisted her creating positive community partnerships and networks to assist individuals living with ABI to meet their goals, live healthier lives and be able to better access specialized services within their communities and obtain support.

When Isabelle is not working she can usually be found listening to music, attending live shows or playing drums. Isabelle can also be found looking for any opportunity to hang out with dogs or pet dogs.